Listen

“Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— for they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Think

Whoa. Hold it. Before we write this one off as the unpardonable sin, as it is often called, let’s explore further. Jesus’ warning is for those who accuse him of being evil. While nothing done or said is really outside the possibility of forgiveness, if they continue to slander God’s Spirit, God’s Son, they are rejecting the very one who forgives, and they may indeed find themselves outside the realm of God’s forgiveness. The second I think there is something unpardonable, unforgiveable, I begin to wonder if I ever could have done it.

“Have I blasphemed against the Holy Spirit? I’m not sure! What does that even mean?! Oh no! What if I have done it and don’t know it?!”

This kind of thinking comes from a fearful place inside. God acts on behalf of love always. Never fear. Don’t let fear divide you against yourself. Don’t let it split you in two. You belong to God. And God is love.

Pray

Go

Allow the Lord to teach you the way of faith and truth, producing a heart undivided in its commitment to God's name.

Give thanks to God with your whole heart. Glorify God's name always, knowing that God's love for you is great and unwavering.

Inspired by Psalm 86

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writer

Valerie Burton

Valerie Burton lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, Allan, their sons, Carter and Marshall, and dog, Byrd. She is the minister for Christian formation at Baptist Church of the Covenant. Life is good when there is coffee and a fire in the fireplace.